Miami Bridge: A Bridge to New Beginnings

Every year, thousands of children and teens in Miami-Dade County face the daunting prospect of life on the
streets. Abused, neglected, homeless and abandoned, they are some of the greatest in need. But just when it
seems there is nowhere to go, the path opens to Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services, Inc., the only 24-hour
emergency shelter in the county that provides refuge, protection and specialized care to youth in crisis.

How Can you Help?

A small donation to Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services, Inc. will help us deliver programs and services that promote positive youth development, strengthen and support families in need and enable children and teenagers to actualize their full potential and become productive members of their communities.

Words from our Youth

“I am at Miami Bridge today because I have been through a lot of terrible situations in my household. I’ve been mistreated, excluded and there has been physical fighting. But I choose Miami Bridge because it helps me get through conflicts. I can depend on the counselors and staff, especially when my days feel upside down. They communicate with me, help me work out my problems, show me patience and take the time to talk. Here, it feels like a family.”

- Raykema, 17 years old

“Before I came to Miami Bridge, I was selling drugs. My mother was not giving me the money I thought I needed, and I was having problems living with her and her new boyfriend. I decided to live with the person that sold me the drugs. I was making good money… then, everything changed. The man became abusive. I was thinking about changing my life around and I remembered Miami Bridge, since I had been there before. Being at Bridge, I stopped doing drugs, started being healthy by playing sports like basketball, and went back to school. I became a leader. The staff has even helped me enter Job Corps where I can make something of myself.”

- Geovanny, 17 years old

“Some kids come to the Bridge not knowing what the future holds for them…but when they leave, they are better people. The Bridge teaches you things you never knew or thought before. It is a healing home to come to when you have nowhere to go.”